European Commission's Victims' Package: Consultation on taking action on rights, support and protection of victims of crime and violence

from the announcement in the European Commission's Freedom, Security and Justice area:

The Commission intends to adopt a package of measures, including a Directive on minimum standards for victims of crime, in the first half of 2011 in particular to replace the 2001 Framework Decision on the standing of victims. This consultation gives stakeholders the opportunity to present their views about which concrete actions could be developed at EU level that would bring real added value. It will also give the Commission an insight into concrete experiences of those working with victims of crime, particularly regarding the difficulties they encounter when assisting victims and the problems faced by those victims. The Commission is looking in particular for reliable data, factual information and specific real-life examples, regarding both problems and solutions.

Jul 29, 2010 Region: Europe, Support, Mediation, Other, Victim, Restitution

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Criminals could cut sentences by saying ‘sorry’

from the by Anushka Asthana and Jamie Doward in The Observer:

Tens of thousands of offenders may be able to reduce their sentences by making personal apologies to their victims, under plans for a “rehabilitation revolution” in the criminal justice system.

Crispin Blunt, the prisons minister, is considering the move as part of a drive to offer victims the chance to come face-to-face with the person who committed the crime against them. A report released today by two charities, Victim Support and the Restorative Justice Consortium, suggests the policy could save £185m in two years by cutting reoffending.

Jul 28, 2010 Dialogue, Country:England&Wales, Victim, Offender, Other, Region: Europe, Prison

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Crime victims treated like the 'poor relation'

from Dominic Casciani's article on BBC.co.uk:

The first commissioner for victims of crime in England and Wales says the criminal justice system treats them as a poor relation and an afterthought.

Too often victims found themselves a "sideshow" as police, prisons, lawyers and the courts focused on the offender, Louise Casey said.

She said too much time was spent trying to help all crime victims, rather than focusing on those in genuine need.

Jul 28, 2010 Country:England&Wales, Region: Europe, Support, Mediation, Other, Victim

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Let's talk it over

from Julia Proctor's article in The Age:

Course road test: Bachelor of arts (advocacy and mediation) at Victoria University

Sounds a bit different . . .

Funny you should say that. This three-year degree, at VU's Footscray Park campus in Melbourne's west, is unusual, says course co-ordinator Deborah Tyler, who adds that there is nothing else quite like it in Australia. The course brings together elements of social policy, law and conflict-resolution training, preparing students for positions involving advocacy or mediation on behalf of disadvantaged groups or individuals involved in conflict.

Jul 20, 2010 Academic, Country:Australia, Other, Region: Pacific

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